Rolling Hitch..... Which is right....?

[bbg]

My father taught me a rolling hitch decades ago. So I used #1, although found it to slip occasionally. A couple of years ago we were discussing knots (as one does, when visiting one's father) and he showed me #2 as the proper rolling hitch. Apparently I didn't quite learn the knot the way he originally taught it to me.
#2 / #1735 grips much better because, as Kermudjon says, the pull compresses the hitch onto the line being gripped.

 

[Salty John]

Chapmans Nautical Knots gives #1 as the standard rolling hitch and #2 as the riggers variation for heavier loads.
I use #1 mostly, for attaching my snubber to the anchor chain and for tying the hammock to the forestay.

 

[jimi]

I use #1 (although #2 is structurally exactly the same knot ) , #3 is wrong and dangerous in certain situations.

 

[cliffordpope]

Isn't it just a clove hitch with an additional turn inside- more to jam so it holds better?

 

[Refueler]

Having looked at the Wikipedia drawings ... I can honestly say that Plymouth Seamanship Centre - part of the Maritime College taught us cadets the middle of the three hitches. Also that unless the load expected is light to use more than 2 turns.

The first hitch shown in the picture IMHO would be dangerous to expect it to carry a sizeable load. The third hitch is one I have not seen or used but consider that also to be unwise.

I often use rolling hitch ( middle version ) to transfer loads - when I was on ships ... on the boat ... at home. Never considered using different form of it.
The only limitation on it's construction that was illustrated to us Cadets ..was not to increase the number of turns too much, as then the loaded part of the line then has difficulty tightening the turns grip on the standing load rope. I usually apply 3 - 4 turns and this holds literally anything within the ropes capabilities.
I have also seen the limited 2 turn RH as shown on Wkipedia to actually overturn and collapse due to person not making sure turns are reasonably tight. 2 slack turns allows the 'trapped' rope to pull through.

All I can say is again I feel the original seamans hitch is altered and later the seamans is found to perform as intended. (I do not include or imply climbers hitches in this .. as they are developed to save lives ... ).

 

[jimi]

[ QUOTE ]
Isn't it just a clove hitch with an additional turn inside- more to jam so it holds better?

[/ QUOTE ]

#3 is not but #1 is in essence. #3 is a bastardised prussic with one less turn. Th prussic's safety depends on tension from both "bitter ends" but in #3 tension is only applied on one.

 

[Saddletramp]

So do people use the rolling hitch for fenders etc or just the clove hitch?

I would find it easier to remember the rolling hitch and stick to it. On the grounds that I do not use these knots that often and when I need a rolling hitch, ie if I have a riding turn, I will be able to do it without thinking.

 

[jamesjermain]

I've just done some none-scientific trials in my office on No1 and No2.

In my view No1 is easier to tie and No2 has a tendency to fall over into No1 anyway. Under load with my not very demanding rig, both knots performed beyond the load I could put on them.

I have used No1 on the tail of a broken sheet and it's held a No 1 genny in 18 knots apparent to windward. I also use it to attach a bridle to my anchor and never known it slip.

PS I've just looked the knot up in Ashleys (1960) where it clearly shows the knot drawn as in No1. Interestingly it makes this comment '...the rolling hitch, originally the Magnus or Magners Hitch...'

PPS It has just occured to me that one of the great advantages of the rolling hitch is that it can be easily adjusted up and down a rope when there is no load on it. I think tying it the first way probably makes this easier.

 

[jb2008]

[ QUOTE ]
So do people use the rolling hitch for fenders etc or just the clove hitch?

[/ QUOTE ]
Round turn & two half hitches?
Although I was taught to use a clove hitch... I guess it depends how much time you've got, you can always add the half hitches later.

[ QUOTE ]
I have used No1 on the tail of a broken sheet...

[/ QUOTE ]
Maybe I'm misunderstanding but tying two ropes together should be either a Carrick or sheet bend shouldn't it?

 

[bbg]

James,

Maybe you could have one of your minions do some measured testing of the two knots a write v short piece for the mag?

 

[damo]

[ QUOTE ]
So do people use the rolling hitch for fenders etc or just the clove hitch?


[/ QUOTE ]
Neither - round turn and slipped half hitches. Makes it very quick and easy to adjust, both fore and aft and in height .
After having to adjust lots of customers fenders, on a windy day like today, you too would curse clove hitched fender lines in thin rope /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif